Introducing AlMayzab Digital Library and Its Mission
AlMayzab Digital Library is described as an academic and community-focused digital library dedicated to supporting knowledge access, research development, and digital capacity building. The organisation’s work centres on empowering students, researchers, and academic institutions through open access to information, digital literacy training, and the integration of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, into research and education practices. It also aims to foster a culture of knowledge sharing, innovation, and sustainable academic growth across local and regional communities.
A Professional Commitment to Open Science
Wisal Alim, representative of AlMayzab Digital Library, explains that his professional background is rooted in librarianship, knowledge management, and academic development. His engagement with Open Science is both practical and strategic. He promotes open access publishing, research transparency, digital repositories, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in research. He also notes that Open Science is essential for equity in knowledge, particularly in developing contexts where access to scholarly resources remains limited, and highlights his focus on bridging gaps between researchers and open knowledge ecosystems.
Challenges in Advancing Open Science
The organisation identifies limited awareness of Open Science principles among researchers and institutions as a primary challenge. Many academics, it notes, remain unfamiliar with open licensing, data sharing practices, and open repositories. Infrastructure limitations, including inconsistent digital systems and funding constraints, also present barriers to sustainable implementation. In addition, concerns related to intellectual property, research quality, and recognition require ongoing dialogue and capacity-building efforts. Despite these challenges, the organisation continues to focus on education, advocacy, and partnerships to strengthen Open Science practices within its community.
Why Join FORM
AlMayzab Digital Library explains that its decision to join the Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is rooted in the belief that collaboration is essential for meaningful impact. Membership enables the organisation to connect with like-minded institutions, share experiences, and learn from global best practices in Open Science. FORM is seen as a platform that supports collective advocacy, encourages innovation, and amplifies the work of institutions in emerging and underrepresented regions. This aligns with the organisation’s mission to expand access, build partnerships, and contribute to a more inclusive global knowledge ecosystem.
Opportunities for Collaboration
Looking ahead, the organisation highlights knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, and capacity-building programmes as key areas for collaboration. It points to co-hosted webinars, training workshops, and collaborative research projects as practical ways to create impact. It also expresses interest in contributing regional perspectives, case studies, and community engagement models that reflect local realities. Clear communication, shared planning, and mutual visibility are identified as important factors in strengthening collaboration and extending the reach of both organisations.
A Broader Vision for Open Science
Finally, the organisation emphasises the importance of supporting institutions in developing regions, where Open Science has significant transformative potential. It highlights the value of showcasing practical success stories, particularly in areas such as digital literacy, the integration of artificial intelligence in research, and sustainable knowledge access models. More broadly, it views Open Science not only as a technical framework but as a wider cultural shift, one that it remains committed to supporting and advancing.
Interested in joining the movement?
If you’d like to learn more about FORM’s membership and partnership programmes, or how your organisation can get involved in promoting Open Science across the Arab region, please get in touch at contact@forumforopen.org
